Tigers downed by Lions in opener

By Matthew Kappos

Apr 7, 2025

Rochester went down in its season opener by 16 goals. Photo: Liam Nash. Photo by Liam Nash

The new season of Goulburn Valley League netball kicked off for Rochester at the weekend, with the Tigers taking on Seymour in its opening fixture for 2025.

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Rochy entered a new campaign looking to break a more than two-decade finals drought, but wasn’t able to start the year with momentum after falling 43-59 in the contest.

No one quarter defined the contest as Seymour was able to slowly pull away from the Tigers over the course of the game.

The Lions took the first quarter 13-9 before also taking the second period by four goals for a 28-20 half-time advantage.

The margin doubled again in the second half as Seymour finished the game with a comfortable victory.

Rochester blooded a new-look attacking line-up as fresh recruit Ava Nihill slotted into goal attack, joining Tia Webb, and had a strong debut, listed among the side’s best.

Matilda McIntyre and Bridgette McCarty were also identified as strong performers.

Seymour qualified for finals in 2024, finishing 10-8, while Rochester was 6-12 in an injury-hit season.

Rochester will travel to take on Mooroopna next Saturday.